Remaining exhibition games
All games 1:05 unless noted
March
9: at Phillies
10: vs. Red Sox
11: vs. Twins, 7:05
12: vs. Yankees
13: Off
14: at Orioles
15: vs. Phillies
16: vs. Red Sox
17: at Red Sox, 1:35
18: Off
19: at Tigers
20: at Twins, 7:05
21: vs. Jays
22: vs. Orioles, at Pirates
23: vs. Twins
24: at Yankees
25: vs. Pirates, 7:05
26: at Phillies
27: vs. Jays
28: at Orioles, 7:05
29: at Tigers
30: vs. Tigers at Trop, 1:10
Tuned up
The Rays could have a new theme song this year: Bang a Gong (Get It On), by T. Rex. The song popped up on Pandora on manager Joe Maddon's iPad and — after he offered $100 to any player who could name the band (none did) — bench coach Dave Martinez suggested they adopt it. "I love the song, I love the way it starts out," Maddon said. "And 'bang a gong, get it on' is absolutely perfect. So we'll see if we could promote that at all."
Wil power at work
As promised, 1B Nick Weglarz started delivering the "scoop" on locker neighbor Wil Myers to gain followers on his @Wegz33 account (though he needs spelling help): "Wil Meyers tip #1 to hit 37 HR's in a single season you must eat turkey sandwiches before games, but stay away from Ham!"
Inside story on Maddon
With Wednesday off, most of the Rays will find something fun to do. Not manager Joe Maddon, who is having a colonoscopy. "First one. I'm very excited about this," said Maddon, 59. "I've only heard about it. One of those life experiences you must go through." Maddon, who will be with the team today and back Thursday, was asked about going the Katie Couric route and having the procedure televised. "If they want to record it, I'll be asleep so whatever they want to do," he said. "I'm sure they'll take full liberty."
Line of succession
Maddon joked that during the time he is under sedation bench coach Dave Martinez will be on call: "From 9:30 to about 10:15, Davey is in charge."
Who is this Ray?
He is the youngest of eight children, with one brother playing pro ball. A natural lefty but taught himself to throw right-handed as well. Was acquired in trade in 2009.
The dish
Rays at Twins
When/where: 1:05 today; Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers
Tickets: $10-40, available through twinsbaseball.com, 1-800-338-9467 (33TWINS)
Pitchers: Rays — Matt Moore, Roberto Hernandez, Mike Montgomery, Juan Sandoval, Josh Lueke; Twins — Liam Hendriks, Brian Duensing, Tyler Robertson, Josh Roenicke, Luis Perdomo, Anthony Slama, Caleb Thielbar, Esmerling Vasquez, Tim Wood
Heads-up
3B Evan Longoria and most of the other front-liners, such as SS Yunel Escobar, CF Desmond Jennings and 1B James Loney, are scheduled to play.
On deck
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: at Pirates (Bradenton), 1:05. Rays — Alex Cobb; Pirates — James McDonald
Friday: vs. Phillies, 1:05: Rays — TBA; Phillies — TBA
Who is this Ray: LHP Alex Torres
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